Missing Witness In Berks Murder Trial Is Found Police

A teen-age girl who recently ran away from an Easton foster home, and who is regarded as the chief witness in a Berks County homicide case against her mother, was foundMonday in Reading.

Irelene "Sue" Ennels, 14, was found staying with a friend in the 18th Ward by two investigators of the Reading police youth aid division.

She was released to the custody of representatives of Concern, a Berks County agency which had previously placed her in the Easton foster home.

Ennels earlier refused to testify against her mother at two sessions of a preliminary hearing before District Justice Wally Scott, Reading.

Before Ennels disappeared Oct. 27, a third session had been scheduled for today.

Assistant District Attorney Jeffrey L. Schmehl said, "We are going to ask the judge to stay the preliminary hearing and to have the case transferred to the Court of Common Pleas, and/or hold the witness in contempt for refusing to testify."

Schmehl said the judge was to be presented with the petition yesterday afternoon or this morning.

"We are asking the court to stop it until it decides these issues," said Schmehl.

The murder charges were lodged against Donna M. Caston, 36, after Ennels testified at a coroner's inquest jury that found sufficient evidence to presume Kurt "Boo" Allen dead.

The 3-year-old boy had been left in Caston's care by his mother and was last seen during the summer of 1984. His body has not been found.

Caston is in Berks County Prison on forgery and bad checks charges.

Authorities said they would probably lose the case, which they admit is based on circumstantial evidence, without cooperation from Ennels.